Video Auditions are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants who submit video auditions are automatically considered for scholarship.
If you have not taken the placement evaluations and you would like to be considered for a course exemption next semester, please email us at music@sfsu.edu.
After applying to SFSU (future.sfsu.edu), please complete this form
If you have any factors limiting your ability to submit a video audition please contact music@sfsu.edu for further assistance.
After we receive your submission, our faculty will review your materials and reach out if they have any additional questions, and to follow up with you about your admission results. Please be patient and allow adequate time for the faculty to review the auditions as we may receive a large number of submissions. Faculty will review each application as promptly as possible. If you have any questions please contact music@sfsu.edu.
Placement Evaluations
We recommend all incoming BA students take placement evaluations in order to be placed in the appropriate level for Music Theory, Ear Training, and Piano (but not Music History).
We require all incoming BM students take placement evaluations in order to be placed in the appropriate level for Music Theory, Ear Training, and Piano (but not Music History).
We require MA and MM students who did not graduate from the SF State School of Music within the last 3 years to take placement exams in Theory, Ear Training, and Music History (but not Piano).
Incoming BA and BM students can choose to enroll in MUS 130 rather than taking placement evaluations in Theory and Ear Training. If a student takes or tests out of MUS 130 they can enroll in MUS 221 for Ear Training without taking a separate evaluation.
All evaluations take place the Thursday before the semester classes begin. Basic and Advanced Theory are asynchronous/online evaluations. Ear Training happens in scheduled, synchronous time but can be done over Zoom or in-person. Music History happens in scheduled, synchronous time, in-person on SF State campus.
For Piano placement only, please provide a link to a video (YouTube or Vimeo preferred) of no more than 10 minutes of you playing piano/keyboard in any style, demonstrating your level of keyboard proficiency.
Who Needs to Audition?
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Auditions and placement evaluations are not required to enter the Bachelor of Arts program. However, we recommend that all entering B.A. students take the placement evaluations so you can be placed in a class appropriate to your skill level.
If you are a B.A. student and would like private lessons as part of your program you will need to submit an audition video (or portfolio if you want composition instruction). Private lessons are not guaranteed to B.A. students
Bachelor of Music
Students entering the Bachelor of Music program are required to submit an audition video or composition portfolio. Placement evaluations are not required, however, we recommend that all entering B.M. students take the placement evaluations so you can be placed in a class appropriate to your skill level.
Master of Arts in Music
Students entering the Master of Arts in Music program studying Music History and Music Education are not required to audition but are required to take the graduate level placement evaluations.
Master of Arts students studying Composition are required to submit a composition portfolio and take the graduate level placement evaluations.
Master of Music
Students entering the Master of Music Program are required to submit an audition video and take the graduate level placement evaluations.
What Do I Need to Know about Submitting an Audition?
The below links have some suggestions on what we are looking for based on area of study but the most important thing is to choose pieces that are best representative of your skill level.
Tips on Filming a Successful Video Audition